The American car culture was exploding by the time the 1965 models arrived. In addition to the not-quite-year-old Mustang and GTO, there was Barracuda, Skylark GS, Chevelle SS, and 4-4-2. Into this mix Dodge and Plymouth obliged mid-size vehicle fans with the largest street motor available in this category, the 426 wedge.

2/12No Scoops, no paint, no big trim denotes that this Dodge Coronet 500 is packing the biggest V8 of any midsize car available in 1965.

That said, the emphasis on drag racing that historic year (since the company had chosen to boycott NASCAR for 1965) kept more extreme examples of these same bodies in the public eye, leaving the 426-S (for Street) models in the shadows of dominating Hemi-powered Super Stockers and the radical modifieds that birthed the name 'funny car.' Unlike Pontiac's street focus with the 'tiger' motif GTO, advertising by Chrysler, who was justifiably proud of their competition accomplishments, was more likely to tout race wins and competitors. This was especially true for Dodge's 'Hot '65 Dodge' campaign.

But the 1965 Dodge street cars had a lot going for them, particularly the rebirth of the Coronet nameplate, which had last appeared in the late 1950s. The '65s had been restyled, and the Coronet title was riding on a 117" stock wheelbase with 204" overall length. This midsize model was available in the base Coronet (formerly Dodge 330 grade), midrange Coronet 440 trim, and upscale Coronet 500 trim. The 500 was only available as a two-door sports model (hardtop or convertible), with bucket seats and console as part of the 500-level package. The other version could be had in any format from two-door sedan to 9-passenger station wagon.

Both Dodge and Plymouth offered the 365-horsepower version of the well-developed 426 wedge in 1964 and 1965 as the top street engine option. Though identical in displacement, this engine did not have the monsterous ports or multi-carb intake of its old Max Wedge counterparts (which had been discontinued in 1964 once the Hemi became available); the 426-S used a cast-iron intake, single Carter AFB four-barrel, production exhaust manifolds, 10.3 compression, and a mild 248-degree/.431 lift cam. So while grandma could drive a 426-S with no problem, what has often been forgotten is that was the largest displacement engine offered in any midsize car by any manufacturer that year, bar none.

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In addition to the engine, other changes and options in 1965 made the cars excellent all-around drivers. After being best known for the Torqueflite automatic, Chrysler finally had a solid four-speed manual available in the new A833, which had been released the previous model year. Plus, as was typical with Chrysler engineering, a heavy-duty suspension layout was standard with every '65 426-S vehicle. Car Life magazine could not get enough of it, despite the lack of better braking (though police drums were on the 426-S, discs could only be had on the full-size Polara police cars that year).

"...it could easily support the title of 'Super/Sleeper of the Year' - there is no external indication that it's anything special," stated Motor Trend when they tested a 426-S Coronet in their June 1965 issue. "Only when you put your foot in it does the truth come out. It is one of the hottest, most exciting machines we've tested this season."

As far as we know, the 426-S was only available as an option in two-door hardtop and convertible models (read Coronet 500 and Plymouth Belvedere III), but this has not been verified. Regardless, not many buyers checked off the quite reasonable $513.60 option that year.

This particular we're featuring may be one of the best surviving examples of the 1965 426-S breed. Owner Gary Arvanigian of Massachusetts bought the car in 2001 from another Bay State collector who had owned it for over 20 years; it had been purchased new at Stanley Dodge-Simca Inc in National City, California with a dealer list price of $3576.40. It was dressed for success, too - in addition to the code 80 426-S package (discounted at 502.80), it received bumper guards, electric clock tach, the auxiliary light package, tinted glass, better whitewall rayon tires, and an AM/FM radio (a rare option in any car in 1965).

Since then, the Dodge has garnered just 25,000 miles on the odometer. The interior and trim are all original, it has never been repainted, and only standard maintenance has been done to the driveline. The only thing Gary did do was bolt on a set of vintage style spoked Americans to complete that 1960s street look.

Dodge called their '65 line HOT, and we can image that whoever bought this car new soon was able to not just tell but show the other guys in National City, Ca., just what that term meant - even without the race Hemi engine they were all reading about...

Special thanks to The Diner on Rt 66 in Sevierville, TN for letting us shoot photos there...

Fast Facts1965 Dodge Coronet 500 426-S
Gary Arvanigian
Worchester, MA

Mopar Power

Engine: This engine has never been apart and retains all the period equipment that the factory installed. The Carter AFB is on a low-profile intake, and the 1965 street exhaust manifolds are still on it.

Transmission: The best-kept secret for 1965 street Chryslers seems to have been the new A833 four-speed. While many buyer still opted for the 'flite plan, this one has a stick coming up from the 500's standard console package.

Rear: With the street tires of the day, this one got a SureGrip 8.75 with a 3.55 gear in it.

Super Grip

Suspension: All original, factory shocks and springs.

Brakes: Stock big police drums on all four corners.

Wheels/Tires: The only significant change to the car has been the addition of a set of spoked 15" American Racing rims with radial tires (235 front and 285 rear).

High Impact

Paint/Body: Original color (light brown) and all-survivor trim. Somebody on the assembly line painted it; somebody else bolted that other stuff on later the same day...